Punjab Imposes Strict New Requirement for Housing Societies

The Punjab government has announced a ban on the approval of new housing societies that do not include dedicated water treatment plants.

Formal instructions have been issued to all development authorities, directing that no housing scheme will receive approval unless it sets aside space for a water treatment facility.

DG Environment Imran Hamid Shaikh confirmed that submission of a detailed treatment plant design is now mandatory for securing environmental clearance.

Authorities say untreated wastewater from new housing schemes poses a serious threat to both public health and the environment. The EPA has made it clear that discharge of wastewater without treatment will no longer be tolerated.

Imran Hamid Shaikh added that strict action will be taken if land allocated for a treatment plant is used for any other purpose. Any scheme that fails to include the plant’s location in its layout plan will not be approved.